U.S. patent number 8,500,066 [Application Number 12/484,151] was granted by the patent office on 2013-08-06 for method and apparatus for wireless aircraft communications and power system using fuselage stringers.
This patent grant is currently assigned to The Boeing Company. The grantee listed for this patent is Jason P. Bommer, William Preston Geren, Dennis Michael Lewis. Invention is credited to Jason P. Bommer, William Preston Geren, Dennis Michael Lewis.
United States Patent |
8,500,066 |
Lewis , et al. |
August 6, 2013 |
Method and apparatus for wireless aircraft communications and power
system using fuselage stringers
Abstract
A method and apparatus for transmitting wireless signals. An
apparatus comprises a stringer having a channel and a waveguide
located within the channel. The waveguide is capable of carrying a
number of wireless signals.
Inventors: |
Lewis; Dennis Michael
(Lynnwood, WA), Geren; William Preston (Shoreline, WA),
Bommer; Jason P. (Tacoma, WA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lewis; Dennis Michael
Geren; William Preston
Bommer; Jason P. |
Lynnwood
Shoreline
Tacoma |
WA
WA
WA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Boeing Company (Chicago,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
43012703 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/484,151 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20100318243 A1 |
Dec 16, 2010 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
244/119; 343/708;
343/705 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D
45/00 (20130101); B64C 1/18 (20130101); B64C
1/064 (20130101); Y10T 428/31504 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
B64C
1/00 (20060101) |
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|
Primary Examiner: Dinh; Tien
Assistant Examiner: Fabula; Michael A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Yee & Associates, P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus comprising: a stringer comprising: a first channel;
a composite part; foam located within the first channel, wherein a
second channel is within the foam; and a waveguide located within
the second channel, wherein the waveguide is capable of carrying a
number of wireless signals; and a conductive material in the second
channel, wherein the conductive material forms the waveguide.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the number of wireless signals
is selected from at least one of an information signal and a power
signal.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of
devices associated with the stringer, wherein the plurality of
devices is capable of exchanging the number of wireless signals
carried in the waveguide.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of devices is
selected from at least one of a computer, a line replaceable unit,
a sensor, and an actuator.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stringer is capable of
being attached to one of a skin on a fuselage of an aircraft, a
skin on a wing of the aircraft, a frame of the aircraft, and a rib
of the aircraft.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of devices and
the stringer are part of a network data processing system.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the network data processing
system is located in a vehicle.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the network data processing
system is selected from at least one of a health monitoring system,
a flight control system, an in-flight entertainment system, and an
environmental control system.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the vehicle is selected from
one of an aircraft, a spacecraft, a submarine, and a surface
ship.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a number of
stringers, wherein each of the number of stringers has an
associated waveguide.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an access point to
the waveguide.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the access point comprises
one of a transmission line, a probe, and an antenna.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the waveguide comprises a
metal material attached to a wall of the second channel.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an aircraft,
wherein the stringer is attached to an interior of the
aircraft.
15. An aircraft network data processing system comprising: a
plurality of composite stringers attached to a skin of an aircraft
and capable of carrying a number of wireless signals selected from
at least one of an information and a power signal, wherein each
stringer in the plurality of composite stringers comprises a
composite material having a first channel, foam located in the
first channel and having a second channel, a waveguide located in
the second channel, a conductive material in the second channel,
wherein the conductive material forms the waveguide; and a
plurality of devices associated with the plurality of composite
stringers and capable of exchanging the number of wireless signals
carried by the plurality of composite stringers.
16. The aircraft network data processing system of claim 15,
wherein the aircraft network data processing system comprises at
least one of a health monitoring system, a flight control system,
an in-flight entertainment system, and an environmental control
system.
17. A method of transmitting wireless signals in a vehicle, the
method comprising: transmitting a number of wireless signals from a
first device into a number of waveguides located in a number of
stringers in the vehicle; carrying the number of wireless signals
in the number of waveguides in the number of stringers; and
receiving the number of wireless signals from the number of
waveguides at a second device; wherein each stringer of the number
of stringers comprises: a first channel; a composite part; foam
located within the first channel, wherein a second channel is
within the foam, wherein a waveguide of the number of waveguides is
located within the second channel; and a conductive material in the
second channel, wherein the conductive material forms the
waveguide.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the number of wireless signals
is selected from at least one of an information signal and a power
signal.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first device and the second
device are selected from at least one of a computer, a sensor, an
actuator, and a line replaceable unit.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein a transmission line connects a
first stringer in the number of stringers with a second stringer in
the number of stringers.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein a number of devices in addition
to the first device and the second device are present in the
vehicle.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein the number of waveguides in the
number of stringers are part of a network in the vehicle, and
wherein the network further comprises at least one of a number of
transmission lines, a number of optical cables, and a number of air
interfaces.
23. The method of claim 2, wherein the information signal comprises
one or more of data, commands, and programs; and wherein the power
signal powers a number of devices.
Description
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft and, in
particular, to network data processing systems in aircraft. Still
more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and
apparatus for a wireless communications and power system using
stringers in a network data processing system in an aircraft.
2. Background
Aircraft contain many devices that use power and exchange
information. These devices include, for example, without
limitation, flight control computers, in-flight entertainment
systems, line replaceable units, environmental control systems,
sensors, and other suitable devices. Many of these devices may be
non-critical and may require low amounts of power. Examples of
these devices include a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, an
accelerometer, and/or some other suitable type of sensor. These
sensors and other types of sensors may be used in a health
monitoring system on an aircraft to perform health monitoring of
the aircraft.
The sensors in a health monitoring system may monitor various
conditions during the operation of an aircraft. For example,
sensors monitor temperatures of various devices, vibrations, force,
and/or other relevant conditions. This information is sent to a
line replaceable unit or other type of data processing system in
the health monitoring system. The information is analyzed to
identify maintenance needs for the aircraft. As a result, these
types of sensors add benefits including condition-based maintenance
and increased safety.
Implementing a health monitoring system in an aircraft involves
additional wiring used to provide the exchange of information and
power between different devices in the health monitoring system.
The wiring for a health monitoring system adds weight, cost, and/or
maintenance burdens to an aircraft. These factors may reduce
performance and/or increase operating costs.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus
that takes into account one or more of the issues discussed above,
as well as possibly other issues.
SUMMARY
In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a stringer
having a channel and a waveguide located within the channel. The
waveguide is capable of carrying a number of wireless signals.
In another advantageous embodiment, an aircraft network data
processing system comprises a plurality of composite stringers and
a plurality of devices. The plurality of composite stringers is
attached to a skin of an aircraft and is capable of carrying a
number of wireless signals. The number of wireless signals is
selected from at least one of an information signal and a power
signal. Each stringer in the plurality of composite stringers
comprises a composite material having a first channel, foam located
in the first channel and having a second channel, and a waveguide
located in the second channel. The plurality of devices is
associated with the plurality of composite stringers and is capable
of exchanging the number of wireless signals carried in the
plurality of composite stringers.
In yet another advantageous embodiment, a method is present for
transmitting wireless signals in a vehicle. A number of wireless
signals are transmitted from a first device into a number of
waveguides located in a number of stringers in the vehicle. The
number of wireless signals is carried in the number of waveguides
in the number of stringers. The number of wireless signals is
received from the number of waveguides at a second device.
The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved
independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or
may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details
can be seen with reference to the following description and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features believed characteristic of the advantageous
embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The advantageous
embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by
reference to the following detailed description of an advantageous
embodiment of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aircraft manufacturing and
service method in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a diagram of an aircraft in which an advantageous
embodiment may be implemented;
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a network environment in accordance with an
advantageous embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a fuselage of an
aircraft in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating composite stringers connected to
each other in a network in accordance with an advantageous
embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional perspective view
of a hat-shaped stringer with a waveguide in accordance with an
advantageous embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a diagram of a cross-sectional perspective view of a
portion of a composite stringer in accordance with an advantageous
embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a
waveguide with an access point in accordance with an advantageous
embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a diagram of a composite stringer with a location for an
access point in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a diagram of a data processing system in accordance with
an advantageous embodiment; and
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process for transmitting wireless
signals in a vehicle in accordance with an advantageous
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring more particularly to the drawings, embodiments of the
disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft
manufacturing and service method 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and
aircraft 200 as shown in FIG. 2. Turning first to FIG. 1, a diagram
illustrating an aircraft manufacturing and service method is
depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. During
pre-production, exemplary aircraft manufacturing and service method
100 may include specification and design 102 of aircraft 200 in
FIG. 2 and material procurement 104.
During production, component and subassembly manufacturing 106 and
system integration 108 of aircraft 200 in FIG. 2 takes place.
Thereafter, aircraft 200 in FIG. 2 may go through certification and
delivery 110 in order to be placed in service 112. While in service
by a customer, aircraft 200 in FIG. 2 is scheduled for routine
maintenance and service 114, which may include modification,
reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or
service.
Each of the processes of aircraft manufacturing and service method
100 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third
party, and/or an operator. In these examples, the operator may be a
customer. For the purposes of this description, a system integrator
may include, without limitation, any number of aircraft
manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party may
include, without limitation, any number of venders, subcontractors,
and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company,
military entity, service organization, and so on.
With reference now to FIG. 2, a diagram of an aircraft is depicted
in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented. In this
example, aircraft 200 is produced by aircraft manufacturing and
service method 100 in FIG. 1 and may include airframe 202 with a
plurality of systems 204 and interior 206. Examples of systems 204
include one or more of propulsion system 208, electrical system
210, hydraulic system 212, environmental system 214, and aircraft
network data processing system 216. Any number of other systems may
be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, different
advantageous embodiments may be applied to other industries, such
as the automotive industry.
Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during any
one or more of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service
method 100 in FIG. 1. For example, components or subassemblies
produced in component and subassembly manufacturing 106 in FIG. 1
may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components
or subassemblies produced while aircraft 200 is in service 112 in
FIG. 1.
Also, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a
combination thereof may be utilized during production stages, such
as component and subassembly manufacturing 106 and system
integration 108 in FIG. 1, for example, without limitation, by
substantially expediting the assembly of or reducing the cost of
aircraft 200. Similarly, one or more of apparatus embodiments,
method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized while
aircraft 200 is in service 112 or during maintenance and service
114 in FIG. 1.
As an illustrative example, in one or more advantageous
embodiments, an aircraft network data processing system, such as
aircraft network data processing system 216, may be implemented
during system integration 108 in FIG. 1. Aircraft network data
processing system 216 may be used to distribute information and
power.
This type of network may include, for example, without limitation,
a health monitoring system, a flight control system, an in-flight
entertainment system, an environmental control system, and/or any
other type of system which exchanges information and/or power in
aircraft 200. In yet other advantageous embodiments, aircraft
network data processing system 216 may be implemented during
maintenance and service 114 in FIG. 1. During maintenance and
service 114, upgrades to aircraft 200 may be performed to include
aircraft network data processing system 216.
The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into
account a number of different considerations. For example, the
different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account
that wireless networks may be used to distribute information and
power within an aircraft. The different advantageous embodiments,
however, recognize that this type of system may have a number of
different problems. For example, with a wireless network using
transmitters and repeaters within a cabin or fuselage, interference
may occur. For example, without limitation, people, galley carts,
and/or other items may interfere with the propagation of wireless
signals within the aircraft.
The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into
account that increased power may be needed to transmit the signals
for information and power when these signals are transmitted within
the cabin or other open areas of the fuselage. These types of
signals may cause interference with other devices and/or
signals.
Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method and
apparatus for distributing signals within an aircraft. In one
advantageous embodiment, a stringer in the aircraft has a channel.
A waveguide is located within the channel. The waveguide is capable
of carrying a number of signals. In other words, the waveguide is
configured to carry the number of signals. The number of signals is
selected from at least one of an information signal and a power
signal in the illustrative examples.
As used herein, the phrase "at least one of", when used with a list
of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the
listed items may be used and only one of each item in the list may
be needed. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item
C" may include, for example, without limitation, item A or item A
and item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item
C or item B and item C.
With reference now to FIG. 3, a diagram of a network environment is
depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this
illustrative example, network environment 300 may include network
data processing system 302. Network data processing system 302 may
take the form of aircraft network data processing system 304
located within aircraft 306 in network environment 300.
Network data processing system 302 has network 308 to which number
of devices 310 is associated. Number of devices 310 may be any
device capable of transmitting and/or receiving at least one of
information 312 and power 314 using network 308. A device in number
of devices 310 may be associated with network 308 if the device is
capable of transmitting and/or receiving at least one of
information 312 and power 314 using network 308.
Information 312 may contain information such as, for example, data,
commands, programs, and/or other suitable information. Power 314
may be used to power number of devices 310. A number, as used
herein, with reference to items, refers to one or more items. For
example, number of devices 310 is one or more devices. In these
illustrative examples, number of devices 310 may be, for example,
without limitation, number of line replaceable units 316, number of
computers 318, number of sensor units 320, number of actuators 322,
and/or any other suitable type of device.
Network 308 is a medium that provides links 324 between number of
devices 310. Links 324 may carry information 312 and/or power 314.
Links 324 may be facilitated by wires, wireless communication
links, fiber optic cables, transmission lines, air interfaces,
and/or other suitable types of components. Information 312 and
power 314 may be transmitted or carried within links 324 as signals
326.
In the different illustrative examples, at least a portion of links
324 may be provided using number of stringers 328. Number of
stringers 328 may be located in interior 330 of aircraft 306.
Number of stringers 328 may have number of waveguides 332.
In these illustrative examples, number of stringers 328 may take
the form of number of composite stringers 333. In these
illustrative examples, number of waveguides 332 and number of
stringers 328 may carry signals 326 in the form of number of
wireless signals 334. Number of wireless signals 334 may include at
least one of information signal 336 and power signal 338.
In these illustrative examples, number of stringers 328 may be
connected to structures within aircraft 306 such as, for example,
without limitation, fuselage 340, skin 342, ribs 344, frame 346,
and/or other suitable structures within aircraft 306. Number of
stringers 328 may be noncontiguous. In other words, number of
stringers 328, when more than one stringer is present, may not be
connected to each other within network 308.
As a result, number of stringers 328 may be connected to each other
to form network 308. Further, within network 308, if more than one
stringer is present within number of stringers 328, these stringers
may be connected to each other. For example, without limitation,
stringer 348 and stringer 350 in number of stringers 328 may be
connected to each other using transmission line 352. Transmission
line 352 may be, for example, without limitation, any structure
capable of conducting information signal 336 and/or power signal
338. For example, without limitation, transmission line 352 may be
a coaxial cable, an optical cable, and/or some other suitable type
of cable.
In some illustrative examples, number of antennas 354 may be
connected to number of stringers 328 to transmit number of wireless
signals 334 into local area 356 in which portion 358 of number of
devices 310 may be located. Local area 356 may be any location
within aircraft 306. For example, local area 356 may be in a crown
of the cabin, between the skin panel in an interior wall of the
cabin in aircraft 306, and/or some other suitable location.
In the illustrative examples, composite stringer 360 is an example
of a stringer within number of composite stringers 333. Composite
stringer 360 may have channel 362. Foam 364 may be located within
channel 362. Additionally, foam 364 also may have channel 366.
Waveguide 368 is an example of a waveguide within number of
waveguides 332 and is located within channel 366. Waveguide 368 may
be comprised of conductive material 370 and/or dielectric material
372. Depending on the particular implementation, waveguide 368 may
be attached to wall 374 of channel 366. Of course, in other
advantageous embodiments, waveguide 368 may take the form of
structure 376 located within channel 366.
When waveguide 368 takes the form of conductive material 370,
conductive material 370 may be metal 378. As a specific example,
metal 378 may be a coating applied to wall 374, a foil, a sheet, or
some other suitable form of metal 378. In these illustrative
examples, metal 378 may be, for example, without limitation, a
copper foil. Metal 378 may be attached to wall 374 through a number
of different mechanisms. For example, without limitation, metal 378
may be applied using conductive paint, electrolysis metal vapor
deposition, and/or other suitable mechanisms.
The illustration of network environment 300 in FIG. 3 is not meant
to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in
which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other
components in addition to and/or in place of the ones illustrated
may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some
advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to
illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks
may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when
implemented in different advantageous embodiments.
For example, in some advantageous embodiments, network 308 may
contain only number of stringers 328. Further, some stringers
within number of stringers 328 may not include waveguides. As
another example, in some advantageous embodiments, only information
312 may be distributed through network 308. In other advantageous
embodiments, a stringer within number of stringers 328 may contain
multiple waveguides.
In the illustrative examples, waveguide 368 is located within
channel 362 for composite stringer 360. In these depicted examples,
waveguide 368 is located within channel 366 within foam 364, which
is located within channel 362. In other advantageous embodiments,
waveguide 368 may be located within channel 362 in composite
stringer 360 without foam 364. For example, waveguide 368 may be
formed in channel 362 using conductive material 370 and/or
dielectric material 372.
Turning now to FIG. 4, a diagram illustrating a portion of a
fuselage of an aircraft is depicted in accordance with an
advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, fuselage 400
is an example of a portion of a fuselage in aircraft 200 in FIG.
2.
Fuselage 400 has skin 402, which may be supported by structures,
such as ribs 404. Stringers 406 may interconnect and/or run through
ribs 404 in the direction of arrow 408. In these illustrative
examples, one or more of stringers 406 may have waveguides and
carry wireless signals.
For example, stringers 410, 412, and 414 are attached to skin 402
and carry wireless signals 416, 418, and 420. Additionally,
stringers 422 also may extend in the direction of arrow 424 within
fuselage 400. In this illustrative example, stringer 426 carries
wireless signal 429. These different wireless signals may be, for
example, information signals and/or power signals.
Further, access points 428, 430, 432, 434, and 436 may provide
access points to stringers 410, 412, 414, and 426 to transmit
wireless signals 416, 418, 420, and 429 outside of the waveguides
in these stringers. Access point 428 is integrated or located on
stringer 410. Access point 430 is located on stringer 412, and
access point 436 is located on stringer 414. Access points 432 and
434 are located on stringer 426 in this illustrative example. These
components form network 438 in fuselage 400. Network 438 is an
example of a network, such as network 308 in FIG. 3.
With reference now to FIG. 5, a diagram illustrating composite
stringers connected to each other in a network is depicted in
accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative
example, network 500 is an example of one implementation of network
308 in FIG. 3. Network 500 may be comprised of composite stringer
502, composite stringer 504, and composite stringer 508. Composite
stringers 502, 504, and 508 are examples of composite stringers
that may be connected to each other within number of stringers 328
in FIG. 3.
These composite stringers are connected to each other using
transmission lines 510 and 512. The connection of these composite
stringers in network 500 may form a bus. In this illustrative
example, composite stringer 502 is connected to composite stringer
504 by transmission line 510. Composite stringer 504 is connected
to composite stringer 508 by transmission line 512.
Input 514 provides an input for a signal from a radio frequency
generator in these illustrative examples. Wireless signals may be
transmitted through the waveguides in composite stringers 502, 504,
and 508 to output 516, which may be connected to a sensor either by
a transmission line or a wireless interface.
Turning now to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional
perspective view of a hat-shaped stringer with a waveguide is
depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Composite
stringer 600 is an example of an implementation of composite
stringer 360 in FIG. 3.
In this illustrative example, composite stringer 600 has a
hat-shape. Composite stringer 600 is comprised of composite
material 602, foam 604, and conductive material 606 for waveguide
608. In this illustrative example, waveguide 608 is a rectangular
waveguide. Of course, other shapes for waveguide 608 may be
selected. For example, waveguide 608 may be rectangular, oval,
circular, or some other suitable shape.
With reference next to FIG. 7, a diagram of a cross-sectional
perspective view of a portion of a composite stringer is depicted
in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example,
composite stringer 700 is an example of another implementation for
composite stringer 360 in FIG. 3.
In this illustrative example, composite stringer 700 comprises
composite material 702, foam 704, and conductive material 706,
which forms a structure for waveguide 708. In this example,
conductive material 706 on side 710 of waveguide 708 may be formed
against skin panel 712.
The examples of composite stringers illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 may
employ conductive materials in various forms as described above.
For example, without limitation, if copper foil was used, an
adhesive film or some other form of adhesive may be applied to the
copper foil. This adhesive film may be used to adhere the copper
foil to the foam during the curing process.
Further, the illustrative examples show that the waveguides do not
need to be completely encompassed within the foam. For example, in
FIG. 7, portions of the waveguide may be located against a
composite material for the stringer or against skin panel 712.
Also, although only a single waveguide is illustrated in these
examples, other advantageous embodiments may employ more than one
waveguide that extends through the stringer.
Turning now to FIG. 8, a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional
view of a waveguide with an access point is depicted in accordance
with an advantageous embodiment. Composite stringer 800 may be used
to implement composite stringers such as, for example, composite
stringers 502, 504, and 508 in FIG. 5. In this illustrative
example, composite stringer 800 comprises composite material 802,
foam 804, and conductive material 806 for waveguide 808.
Conductive material 806 may be placed against wall 810 of foam 804
and skin panel 812. Access point 814 may be created using coaxial
cable 816. Coaxial cable 816 may have center conductor 818 extend
into cavity 820 of waveguide 808. Center conductor 818 allows for a
propagation of waves within cavity 820 to travel through coaxial
cable 816. Coaxial cable 816 may terminate in component 821.
Coaxial cable 816, with center conductor 818, is an example a
transmission line used as a probe in cavity 820. Component 821 may
be another device, antenna, stringer, or some other suitable
component. In other advantageous embodiments, an antenna may be
integrated and/or placed into cavity 820 to form access point
814.
Distance 822 may be a distance that center conductor 818 extends
into cavity 820. Distance 824 may be a distance from wall 826 to
center conductor 818. These distances may be determined, in the
illustrative examples, using a computer program to optimize the
electrical performance of the coax-waveguide interface for the
desired frequency range and selected waveguide size.
With reference now to FIG. 9, a diagram of a composite stringer
with a location for an access point is depicted in accordance with
an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, composite
stringer 900 is an example of an implementation of composite
stringer 360 in FIG. 3.
Composite stringer 900 may be comprised of composite material 902,
foam 904, and conductive material 906. Conductive material 906 is
located in channel 908 of foam 904 and forms waveguide 910 within
composite stringer 900. In this illustrative example, plated hole
912 may be located at distance 914 from end 916 of composite
stringer 900. Distance 914 may be determined by using a computer
program to optimize the electrical performance of the
coax-waveguide interface for the desired frequency range and
selected waveguide size. The probe of FIG. 8 may be inserted in
plated hole 912.
Turning now to FIG. 10, a diagram of a data processing system is
depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Data
processing system 1000 is an example of a device that may be
present in number of devices 310 in FIG. 3. In particular, data
processing system 1000 may be used to implement devices such as,
for example, without limitation, number of line replaceable units
316 and number of computers 318 in FIG. 3.
Data processing system 1000 may receive information from number of
sensor units 320 and/or other devices within number of devices 310
in FIG. 3. In this illustrative example, data processing system
1000 includes communications fabric 1002, which provides
communications between processor unit 1004, memory 1006, persistent
storage 1008, communications unit 1010, input/output (I/O) unit
1012, and display 1014.
Processor unit 1004 executes instructions for software that may be
loaded into memory 1006. Processor unit 1004 may be a set of one or
more processors or may be a multi-processor core, depending on the
particular implementation. Further, processor unit 1004 may be
implemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems in
which a main processor is present with secondary processors on a
single chip. As another illustrative example, processor unit 1004
may be a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple
processors of the same type.
Memory 1006 and persistent storage 1008 are examples of storage
devices 1016. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is
capable of storing information, such as, for example without
limitation, data, program code in functional form, and/or other
suitable information either on a temporary basis and/or a permanent
basis.
Memory 1006, in these examples, may be, for example, a random
access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile
storage device. Persistent storage 1008 may take various forms,
depending on the particular implementation. For example, persistent
storage 1008 may contain one or more components or devices. For
example, persistent storage 1008 may be a hard drive, a flash
memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or
some combination of the above.
Communications unit 1010, in these examples, provides for
communications with other data processing systems or devices. In
these examples, communications unit 1010 is a network interface
card.
Input/output unit 1012 allows for input and output of data with
other devices that may be connected to data processing system 1000.
For example, input/output unit 1012 may provide a connection for
user input through a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable
input device. Further, input/output unit 1012 may send output to a
printer. Display 1014 provides a mechanism to display information
to a user.
Instructions for the operating system, applications, and/or
programs may be located in storage devices 1016, which are in
communication with processor unit 1004 through communications
fabric 1002. In these illustrative examples, the instructions are
in a functional form on persistent storage 1008. These instructions
may be loaded into memory 1006 for execution by processor unit
1004. The processes may be performed by processor unit 1004 using
computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in a
memory, such as memory 1006.
These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usable
program code, or computer readable program code that may be read
and executed by a processor in processor unit 1004. The program
code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different
physical or tangible computer readable media, such as memory 1006
or persistent storage 1008.
The illustrations of data processing system 1000 in FIG. 10 is not
meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner
in which different devices may be implemented. Other sensor units
and data processing systems may include other components in
addition to or in place of the ones illustrated. Further, some
advantageous embodiments may exclude some of the components
illustrated. For example, in some advantageous embodiments, display
1014 in data processing system 1000 may be unnecessary.
With reference now to FIG. 11, a flowchart of a process for
transmitting wireless signals in a vehicle is depicted in
accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated
in FIG. 11 may be implemented in a network environment, such as
network environment 300 in FIG. 3. More specifically, the process
illustrated in this figure may be implemented in network data
processing system 302 in FIG. 3 in a vehicle. This vehicle may take
various forms, such as aircraft 306 in FIG. 3.
The process begins by transmitting a number of wireless signals
from a first device into a number of waveguides located in a number
of stringers in a vehicle (operation 1100). These wireless signals
may be transmitted into a waveguide in the number of waveguides in
operation 1100 by the first device. This transmission may be made
through a cable or other connector connecting the first device to
the waveguide.
Alternatively, the first device may transmit the number of wireless
signals through an air interface, which is received at an antenna
connected to the waveguide. In this manner, the first device is
associated with this waveguide. The association, as illustrated in
this example, may be a physical connection or a wireless connection
that allows for transmission of the wireless signals from the first
device into the waveguide in the number of waveguides. In this
manner, these wireless signals may be transmitted into the
waveguide.
The process then carries the number of wireless signals in the
number of waveguides in the number of stringers (operation 1102).
The number of wireless signals is received from the number of
waveguides at a second device (operation 1104), with the process
terminating thereafter. In this illustrative example, the number of
wireless signals may be sent to the second device, which is
associated with the number of waveguides.
The second device is associated with the number of waveguides by
being able to receive the wireless signals from one or more of the
number of waveguides. As with the first device, the second device
may be connected to one or more of the waveguides at an access
point. In other advantageous embodiments, the access point may have
an antenna that radiates the wireless signals into an air interface
that may be received by the second device.
The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted
embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and
operation of some possible implementations of apparatus and methods
in different advantageous embodiments. In this regard, each block
in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment,
function, and/or a portion of an operation or step. In some
alternative implementations, the function or functions noted in the
block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example,
in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed
substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed
in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality
involved.
Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method and
apparatus for transmitting wireless signals. In one advantageous
embodiment, an apparatus comprises a stringer having a channel. A
waveguide is located within the channel in which the waveguide is
capable of carrying a number of wireless signals.
In the different advantageous embodiments, the stringer may take
the form of a composite stringer having a foam core in which the
waveguide is located within a channel in the foam core. These
stringers may be located in the interior of an aircraft. The
stringers may be located along the skin panels of the aircraft or
extend across the fuselage of the aircraft.
By incorporating waveguides into these stringers, the different
advantageous embodiments provide a capability to transmit
information and/or power through these waveguides to different
devices. With the use of these stringers, additional weight,
complexity, and/or expense may be decreased. These waveguides may
be built into the aircraft during the manufacturing of the
aircraft. In some advantageous embodiments, these types of
stringers may be added to the aircraft during maintenance as an
upgrade or refurbishment of aircraft.
Further, the use of stringers containing waveguides also reduces
the amount of power needed to transmit wireless signals. The design
of the waveguides may be such to allow for low power usage as
compared to currently available wireless systems. Also, with one or
more of the different advantageous embodiments, the interference
and/or reduction of power signals may be avoided as compared to the
transmission of wireless signals through the cabin of an aircraft
in which obstructions, such as people or carts, may be present.
The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description, and it is
not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the
form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Although the different advantageous embodiments have been described
with respect to aircraft, the different advantageous embodiments
also may be applied to other types of structures. For example,
without limitation, the different advantageous embodiments may be
applied to vehicles, such as a spacecraft, a submarine, a surface
ship, and/or some other suitable type of vehicle. The different
advantageous embodiments may even be applied to structures that are
stationary or non-mobile in addition to vehicles.
Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different
advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments. The
embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in
order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the
practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in
the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated.
* * * * *
References